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Healthier

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for the Win

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NACHOS

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September 12

The Rise of Somatic Therapies

SOUND HEALING

SACRED

for Mind and Body

BENTON

Integrative Medicine

10 Years Going Upstream

Inner Balance DIGITAL FLIPBOOK

CHARLOTTE EDITION | AWAKENINGCHARLOTTE.COM | SEPTEMBER 2026

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September 2026

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HAAS WELLNESS CENTER

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September 2026

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Contents

Departments 9 News Briefs

18 Introduction to Somatic Therapies

12 Business Spotlight

Reconnecting Mind and Body in an Overstimulated World

13 Event Spotlight 14 Local Health Brief

18

15 Action Alert 16 Health Briefs

22 Nutritious Nachos

18 Feature

Yummy Ideas Everyone Will Love

22 Conscious Eating 24 Recipes 26 Wise Words

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28 Healing Ways

26 Mindful Interdependence A Conversation With Jeremy David Engels

30 Homeopathy 32 Mark Your Calendar 35 Classifieds

28 Healing Harmonies

33 Resource Guide 35 Gaston County Natural Guide

26

How Sound Therapy Supports Modern Wellness

Elevate Holistic Dental

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HEALTHY LIVING HEALTHY PLANET

CHARLOTTE EDITION Publisher Shannon McKenzie Design & Production Patrick Floresca Ad Design Patrick Floresca Editorial Jane Aylward Randy Kambic

CONTACT US P.O. Box 456, Cornelius, NC 28031 Ph: 704-499-3327 AwakeningCharlotte.com Publisher@AwakeningCharlotte.com Ads@AwakeningCharlotte.com

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SUBSCRIPTIONS Free subscriptions are available for our digital issue by subscribing to our email list on AwakeningCharlotte.com

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© 2026 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved. Although some parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior permission be obtained in writing.Natural Awakenings is a free publication distributed locally and is supported by our advertisers. Please call to find a location near you or if you would like copies placed at your business. We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles and advertisements, nor are we responsible for the products and services advertised. Check with a healthcare professional regarding the appropriate use of any treatment.

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Disclaimer: The materials and information provided here and on our sites are for informational purposes only and are not intended for use as diagnosis, prevention or treatment of a health or other problem or as a substitute for consulting your chosen health professional. Users are advised to conduct their own due diligence.

September 2026

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Publisher ’s Letter

What Matters Most My kids and I just returned from visiting family in Idaho, and I find myself still craving that family connection. I suspect this happens to many of us who move far from home for jobs and then start raising families of our own without relatives nearby.

For me, the absence of nearby family is making me seek out those connections more intentionally as I get older. After this trip—and thanks to my sister—my parents, siblings, nieces, nephews and our family are now playing Wordle every day and sharing our results in a group text. We’ve also started a family music game on the Music League app, where we nominate songs based on categories like all-time favorites or songs our parents played when we were kids that we now

love ourselves. Then we vote, ranking everyone’s selections from best to worst. It’s enlightening—and sometimes surprising—to discover everyone’s musical tastes.

After this trip, I want to make a habit of reaching out to family across the country more often. These are relationships I want to nurture more intentionally rather than simply allowing the busyness of everyday life to get in the way.

Maybe that’s another benefit of aging: becoming better at filtering out the busyness and noise of daily life and recognizing what truly deserves our time and attention.

Wishing you a September of clear priorities and meaningful connections,

Shannon

BENTON INTEGRATIVE

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Kings Mountain Preserve

OUR SERVICES

Direct Primary Care Functional Medicine Hormone Health Sexual Health Infrared Sauna Wellness & Healing Joint & Regenerative Health AND MORE!

Cammy Benton, MD With over 24 years of experience, Dr. Benton combines mainstream medicine with a holistic functional approach. She is an advocate for informed consent, patient choice and has created this practice to optimize one’s total health and wellbeing.

BentonIntegrative.com | BentonIntegrative@bimmail.com 16415 Northcross Dr. Ste B Huntersville, NC 28078

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Charlotte Edition

972 NC 16 Business Hwy Stanley, NC 28164

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News Briefs

LOOKING FOR

Elevating

Unique Eye Testing Can Tell Us A Lot About Our Brains

– CONVERSATIONS & – SOLUTIONS TO ISSUES?

Along with helping us see the world, our eyes can show how our brain is interacting with it. They are windows into the nervous system, being the only neural tissue, or brain, located outside the cranial vault, or skull. Eyes, as microscopes into brain function, can also reveal a lot about brain function.

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Every time our eyes shift, follow a moving object or hold a steady gaze, our brain coordinates these movements. When we react to something unexpected, maintain focus, judge where we are or coordinate vision while doing another task, our brain processes and responds in real time. Our eyes also communicate constantly with our inner ears and brain to help maintain balance and spatial orientation.

At Better Brain & Body, Spryson NeuroAI technology uses precision eye-tracking and neurological testing to measure these processes including visual tracking, balance and vestibular function, spatial awareness, eye coordination, reaction time, processing speed, attention, response control and brain-body coordination.

This can be especially valuable following a concussion, when changes in eye movement, balance, reaction time, attention and visual processing may provide objective information about functional changes and recovery. The method can also test for subtle eyemovement changes associated with Parkinson’s disease.

Charlotte Chef, Mark Allison

According to practice owner Dr. Alicia Brown, “We are one of only 30 clinics worldwide with this advanced new technology, which allows us to continue our mission of transforming patient outcomes.”

SEPTEMBER GUEST BLOG

on What Climbing Kilimanjaro Taught Me About Healthy Aging

Location: 11230 Carmel Commons Blvd., Ste. B, Charlotte. For more information, to schedule a 30-minute in-person strategy consultation with Dr. Brown, or to make an appointment, call 704-752-8100 or visit BetterBrainAndBody.com. See ad, page 13.

Anniversary Celebration at Mama Bessie’s Place Mama Bessie’s Place, in Charlotte, will honor and celebrate the nineteenth anniversary of the opening of the shop with a special Customer Appreciation Day. The event will take place on the Full Harvest Moon from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on September 26.

Customers will receive a 19 percent discount and a free gift with each purchase. They’ll also be able to gather supplies for their full moon rituals, prepare for Halloween, start or finish holiday shopping or simply restock spiritual supplies,

choosing from both new and clearance merchandise.

Further, door prizes will be drawn every hour on the half hour throughout the day. Prizes will feature products created by Mama Bessie’s Place as well as other bestselling items.

“Since 2007, Mama Bessie’s Place has grown to become your one stop, go-to shop for all your spiritual, religious, New Age and metaphysical supplies,” says Lesola Morgan, co-owner. “We take great pleasure in helping you find what you need, as well as offering suggestions

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on the best way to use your purchases to help you move forward on your spiritual journeys.”

Along with the utmost in customer service, pleasant aromas and comfort for customers, “People also get lost in the wide variety of items that we try to keep in stock,” she added. “We also try to keep our prices as reasonable as we possibly can. We speak Spanish.”

Free admission. Discounts don’t apply to books, card decks and 2027 calendars and datebooks. Location: 3010 Monroe Rd., Ste. 104. For more information, call 704-6329911 or visit MamaBessiesPlace.com or follow on Facebook or Instagram. See ad, page 22.

September 2026

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News Briefs

Sustain Charlotte Kings Mountain Preserve Expands Biketoberfest 2026 Lunch and Learn Events Sustain Charlotte will host its 12th annual Biketoberfest, its largest annual community event and fundraiser, on October 11. This family-friendly, scavenger-hunt-style adventure invites participants to explore Charlotte by bike, foot, scooter or public transit while discovering local businesses, parks, landmarks, neighborhoods and the growing bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure.

Using a mobile-friendly scavenger-hunt platform, participants will navigate the route, featuring destinations, completing challenges and exploring the city at their own pace. Participants may bike, walk, scooter or incorporate public transit into their adventure.

While participants can start and end at any point along the route, they are encouraged to begin and finish at Triple C Brewing in Charlotte’s South End neighborhood (2900 Griffith Street). The event concludes with an afterparty at Triple C featuring live music, raffle prizes, local vendors and plenty of Biketoberfest celebration.

Biketoberfest offers a unique opportunity to get outside, be active, and connect with the Charlotte community. Participation, which is expected to exceed 500 individuals, also supports Sustain Charlotte’s work to build a more equitable, connected and healthy community by inspiring responsible growth and transportation choices.

Registration fees vary ($25-50); youth ages 12 and under participate free with an accompanying adult. Rain date: Oct. 18. For more information or to register, email Biketoberfest@SustainCharlotte.org or visit SustainCharlotte.org/biketoberfest. See CRG, page 35.

Starting in September, Kings Mountain Preserve, the East Coast’s first combination conservation burial ground and funeral home, is expanding its informational Lunch and Learn events to four separate restaurants beginning at 11 a.m. each Wednesday in the Charlotte area.

Events will be held on the first Wednesday at 131 MAIN Restaurant at 17830 Statesville Road, in Cornelius (131-Main.com/Lake-Norman); second Wednesday, Nellie’s Southern Kitchen, 36 North Main Street, in Belmont (NelliesSouthernKitchen.com); third Wednesday, Trio Restaurant, 10709 McMullen Creek Parkway, in Charlotte; (TrioCharlotte.com); and fourth Wednesday, Mario's Italian Restaurant, 2945 Matthews Weddington Road, in Matthews (EatMariosPizza.com).

Attendees will learn the economic and environmental benefits of green burial at more convenient locations in the Charlotte area. Information on their property, the Pavilion, the Kings Creek Chapel, services and prices will also be provided.

Kings Mountain Preserve, located just outside Charlotte in Blacksburg, South Carolina, is also the area’s only family and pet cemetery. The unique combination of conservation burial ground and funeral home allows the business to provide the most economical and environmentally friendly services for loved ones from the moment of their passing until the conclusion of the burial.

For more information or to register for any of the lunches, call 877375-2495, email Amanda@KingsMountainPreserve.com or visit tinyurl.com/KMPLunchLearn and KingsMountainPreserve.com. See ad, page 8.

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September 2026

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News Briefs

Business Spotlight

Kempter Launches Elevate Holistic Dental in Charlotte

Benton Integrative Medicine Celebrates 10 Years of Going Upstream

Dr. Eric Kempter, founder of Elevate Holistic Dental, launched his practice at 7510 Pineville-Matthews Road, Suite 15B in Charlotte this summer based on a simple belief: Eric Kempter, DDS One’s oral health and one’s overall health are inseparable. He and his staff take a whole-body approach to every patient, partnering with specialists and physicians to deliver care that addresses root causes, not just symptoms.

The practice specializes in serving patients with chronic illness, sensitivities and those that want the safest, most biocompatible materials available. “You deserve to be heard, and you deserve a practice that listens,” says Kempter.

Kempter has spent more than a decade at the forefront of biological and holistic dentistry, bringing a whole-body philosophy to every patient he treats. He built a reputation for thoughtful, patient-centered care that conventional dentistry is challenged to provide.

Now, with the launch of Elevate Holistic Dental, Kempter is bringing that same commitment to a practice built entirely around his vision: the safest, least invasive and most biocompatible care available—for patients that won’t settle for anything less.

He holds IAOMT accreditation and is trained in SMART amalgam removal, ozone therapy, HealthyStart pediatric protocols and myofunctional therapy. He is passionate about educating patients and partnering with their broader health team.

For 10 years, Benton Integrative Medicine has helped patients look beyond symptom management to explore the deeper foundations of health. Founded and owned

by Dr. Cammy Benton, an integrative and functional medicine physician, the Huntersville- and Stanley-based practice combines conventional medicine with evidence-informed integrative therapies, personalized care and a commitment to informed choice.

Today, the practice offers a growing continuum of services designed to empower, restore and optimize the health and wellness of patients. They can access direct primary care, functional medicine, women’s hormone care, men’s testosterone and vitality services, sexual health support, peptide education, medical weight-loss programs and individualized nutrition and health coaching.

Benton Integrative Medicine offers restorative, comprehensive and wellness therapies including IV nutrient therapy, ozone therapy, EBOO, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, sauna, red light therapy, BioCharger sessions, PEMF, acupuncture, GAINSWave, sexual health, thermography and neural therapy, and more. The practice also recognizes the powerful connection between physical health and the nervous system, offering education and coaching focused on resilience, stress regulation and whole-person healing.

The anniversary year brings even more momentum. A new hyperbaric oxygen chamber is now available, expanding the practice’s capacity to support medically

For more information or to make an appointment, call 704-260-4206, email info@ElevateHolisticDental.com or visit ElevateHolisticDental.com. See ad, page 6.

12

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Red Light Therapy

Cammy Benton, MD

appropriate recovery and wellness goals.

New programs are also being developed around gut health, nervous-system restoration, metabolic wellness, healthy aging and personalized optimization.

Looking ahead, Benton Integrative Medicine is preparing for an expanded upstream experience. Plans include additional tools for body-composition analysis, oxygen-based exercise and performance training, cardiovascular and metabolic assessment, and restorative therapies within an enhanced Vitality Lounge. These additions will give patients more ways to understand their bodies, track meaningful progress and actively participate in their health.

What began as a vision for more thoughtful, patient-centered medicine has grown into a community built around curiosity, partnership and possibility. After a decade of protecting informed choice and expanding access to integrative care, Benton Integrative Medicine remains clearly committed to the overall mission to empower patients, restore health and continue redefining what personalized medicine can become.

Benton Integrative Medicine is located at 16415 Northcross Dr., Ste. B, in Huntersville, and 972 NC 16 Business Hwy., in Stanley.

For more information or to make an appointment, call 704-775-6029 or visit BentonIntegrative.com. See ad, page 8.

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Event Spotlight

Fifth Annual Sacred Grove Holistic Fair Features Community and Connection

Step away from the ordinary and spend a magical day in the woods surrounded by healers, intuitive readers, energy workers, artisans, makers and kindred spirits at the fifth annual Sacred Grove Holistic Fair from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on September 12 at the Sacred Grove Retreat Center, in Gold Hill, North Carolina.

Explore holistic wellness offerings, discover treasures created with love and intention, receive a reading, experience a healing session, and connect with people that share a curiosity about living a more conscious, meaningful life.

A special raffle will feature wonderful donations from local businesses and vendors with 100 percent of raffle proceeds benefiting GHA Autism Supports, a North Carolina nonprofit that supports individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities in creating meaningful, connected and more independent lives.

2006. Her gift is simple yet powerful: making everyone that arrives feel at home, inspired and part of something truly special.

Sacred Grove hosts retreats, individual and group lodging as well as group meeting spaces. Guests, whether they stay for a day, a weekend or a week, have use of the labyrinth, the bonfire circle, the vortex, the butterfly garden, hiking trails

For nearly two decades, Whiteside, lovingly known as the Goddess of the Grove, has been the guiding spirit of Sacred Grove Retreat.

She has welcomed hundreds of guests into the sanctuary that she has nurtured since

Free admission. Location: 15720 Collie Rd., Gold Hill, less than one hour from Charlotte. For more information, visit tinyurl.com/HolisticFairCLT, call or text 704-299-5124, email LoveAbundanceAndJoy@gmail.com or visit SacredGroveRetreat.com. See ad, page 4.

Alicia Brown

OUR APPROACH We offer a unique, one-on-one healthcare experience — listening to your concerns, collecting objective data and tailoring a personalized care plan to provide comprehensive support. Our mission is to deliver exceptional, patient-centered care that restores hope and empowers you to take charge of your health and achieve your fullest potential.

WHY CHOOSE US

The event will feature intuitive readings and spiritual guidance, healing and energy work, holistic wellness practitioners, artisans and unique treasures and products and services provided by local small businesses.

Ellen Whiteside, owner of Sacred Grove Retreat Center and Nicole Mitchell, owner of Rise With Me Tarot, invite people to “come as you are. Wander. Explore. Connect. Let yourself be surprised.”

and all common areas. All lodging is petfriendly, too.

Answers When Others Can't Help Advanced Diagnostic Technology Non-Invasive, Innovative Therapies Holistic, Whole-Body Approach Complex Neurological Care One-on-One, Personalized Care No Age Restrictions Proven Results & Exceptional Reviews

CONTACT

DR. ALICIA BROWN

704-752-8100 www.betterbrainandbody.com

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September 2026

13

Local Health Brief

Internal Balance

The Foundation of Whole-Body Health Good health is not simply the absence of disease. It’s the ability of the body to maintain internal balance, or homeostasis, while continuously adapting to physical, nutritional, environmental, electromagnetic, immune and emotional challenges.

When one system becomes stressed, it can influence others. A comprehensive approach to health should consider six important areas: structural, electromagnetic, nutritional, immune, emotional and toxic balance.

Structural Balance

The musculoskeletal system provides the framework that allows the body to function efficiently. Poor posture, spinal or joint dysfunction, muscle imbalances, and restricted movement can affect mobility, comfort, and physical performance. Maintaining appropriate alignment, strength, flexibility and movement is an important component of overall wellness.

Electromagnetic Balance

Many live in an environment surrounded by electromagnetic fields from electrical systems, appliances, wireless technologies and natural sources. The health effects of typical low-level exposure remain an area

of scientific investigation. The World Health Organization notes that established biological effects occur at sufficiently high exposures, while adverse effects from typical lowlevel exposures have not been confirmed.

From a precautionary perspective, reasonable habits like reducing unnecessary nighttime device exposure and maintaining technology-free periods are recommended.

Nutritional Balance

The body requires adequate protein, essential fatty acids, vitamins, minerals and other nutrients to maintain cellular function.

Nutrition also plays a significant role in immune regulation. Deficiencies in nutrients such as vitamin D, zinc, iron, selenium, and vitamins A, C and E can affect normal immune function.

Immune Balance

A healthy immune system must be capable of defending the body while avoiding excessive or inappropriate inflammation and allergies. According to the journal Nutrients, nutrition, sleep, physical activity, infections, environmental exposures and chronic stress can all influence immune regulation.

Emotional Balance

Emotional health is inseparable from physical health. According to a study reported in Psychological Bulletin, chronic psychological stress can influence the nervous, endocrine and immune systems, and is associated with measurable changes in immune function.

Managing stress through adequate sleep, exercise, mindfulness, breathing practices, meaningful relationships and appropriate counseling can therefore be an important part of a holistic health strategy.

Toxic Balance

Modern life exposes us to numerous environmental substances through air, water, food, consumer products and occupational environments. Environmental health research monitored by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, increasingly examines how combinations of exposures may influence chronic disease.

Reducing unnecessary exposures while supporting the body’s normal elimination systems through adequate hydration, nutrition, regular bowel function and healthy lifestyle habits.

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True wellness requires looking at the whole person rather than a single symptom. By evaluating structural, electromagnetic, nutritional, immune, emotional and environmental factors together, we can develop a more comprehensive strategy for supporting the body’s remarkable ability to maintain balance and promote health.

14

Charlotte Edition

AwakeningCharlotte.com

Kenneth Haas, DC, CCSP, is the founder of Haas Wellness Center, located at 3315 Springbank Ln., Ste. 102, in Charlotte. For more information, appointments or a free consultation, call 704-837-2420, email Reception@HaasWellnessCenters.com or visit HaasWellnessCenters.com.

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Action Alert

Sustain Charlotte Cites Community Concerns About Toll Lanes on I-77S

The future of I-77 South is at a critical decision point. In May, Charlotte City Council and CRTPO withdrew support for a proposal to add toll lanes through a long-term publicprivate partnership.

Since then, state lawmakers have taken the extraordinary step of threatening local governments with tens of millions of dollars in repayment costs unless they reconsider. Decisions made under this pressure could shape transportation and growth in our region for decades.

This issue is unfolding now, with critical decisions expected this fall.

Because circumstances are changing quickly, follow Sustain Charlotte on social media and subscribe to their newsletter for the latest updates and opportunities to take action.

Widening I-77S would bring more traffic, noise and air pollution to neighborhoods already harmed when the highway displaced families and divided historically Black communities. Adding costly toll lanes is not a long-term solution to congestion. Sustain Charlotte recommends instead investing in public transportation and exploring many other proven strategies to reduce congestion.

Residents have an opportunity to advocate for transportation investments that reduce pollution, repair past harms, and give everyone safe, reliable ways to get around.

Subscribe to Sustain Charlotte’s weekly newsletter at SustainCharlotte.org/newsletter and follow them on Instagram and Facebook for the latest I-77 South updates and action alerts.

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IN YOUR CURBSIDE RECYCLING

DON’T JUST RECYCLE,

ONLY Recycle these six items

GLASS BOTTLES & JARS

CARDBOARD & SMALL BOXES

(Lids On - Okay)

(Clean Pizza Boxes - Okay)

MILK & JUICE CARTONS

PAPER & MAGAZINES

EMPTY METAL CANS

PLASTIC BOTTLES & JUGS with Necks

NO PLASTIC BAGS Remember, more items are accepted at the Full-Service Centers.

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September 2026

15

Microplastics Linked to Heart Disease

Health Briefs

A 2024 study in The New England Journal of Medicine involving more than 300 participants revealed a significant association between carotid artery plaque containing micro- and nano-plastics (MNPs) and an increased risk of heart attack, stroke or death.

jittawit21 from jittawit21/CanvaPro

CRC is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally, and the removal of adenomas is one of the most effective prevention procedures. However, people that have undergone this measure still face an elevated risk of developing CRC. The study involved more than 700 participants—half with a history of adenoma and the other half without. Researchers observed that further research is needed to determine whether modifying the gut microbiome through diet and exercise reduces the risk of CRC.

Largest Integrated Health Database

In June, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) All of Us Research Program unveiled the world’s most extensive health database. More than 747,000 Americans from all 50 states contributed data, encompassing 535,000 complete genomes associated with 482,000 electronic health records and data from wearable technology like Fitbit. The database also includes participants’ socioeconomic information, sleep data and location-based air quality statistics. The database’s most significant advantage lies in its diverse participant pool. By contrast, the other leading health database, UK Biobank, includes genetic and other information on 500,000 participants, predominantly of white European descent.

The NIH program began enrolling participants in 2018 with a goal of including 1 million Americans for at least 10 years to study the interplay between genes and lifestyle and environmental factors. More than 23,000 researchers have used the database and authored more 16

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A subsequent cross-sectional study published this year in the European Heart Journal further evaluated the relationship between plastic pollution and cardiovascular health. The study involved 61 participants suspected of having coronary artery disease who underwent coronary angiography—a specialized X-ray test that uses contrast dye to visualize blood flow through the arteries. The participants were categorized into three groups based on the angiography results: severe, life-threatening heart attack caused by coronary artery blockage; chronic coronary disease (CCD); and normal coronary arteries (control group).

Researchers measured the concentration of MNPs in the coronary and surrounding blood of each patient. MNPs were detected more frequently, in higher concentrations and with greater diversity, in the heart attack group (84.2 percent) compared to the CCD (40 percent) and control (31.8 percent) groups. Detection of MNPs was also associated with elevated inflammatory markers. Notably, MNPs were more frequently detected in smokers and those exposed to air pollution. The co-authors of the study noted the significant impact of lifestyle choices and exposure to pollutants on heart health.

Andrii Avram/shutterstock

A study led by Harvard University and published in Cell Host & Microbe found that more than a decade after the removal of a precancerous mass known as an adenoma from the colon, changes in the gut microbiome and certain metabolites persist, potentially contributing to an elevated risk of colorectal cancer (CRC). The study also found that a poor diet and limited physical activity are more closely associated with the abundance of these CRC-related gut microbes in people with a history of adenoma compared to adenoma-free individuals, suggesting that lifestyle choices play an important role in the gut microbiome of this high-risk group.

than 1,400 peer-reviewed publications. Despite the NIH announcement, the program’s funding is scheduled to expire at the end of 2026. More than 50 medical organizations have petitioned Congress to allocate new funding or risk losing what has been built.

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Microbiome Effects on Colorectal Cancer Risk

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VISIT US AT AwakeningCharlotte.com The Holistic Fair at

Healthier

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GROVE

WITH RECIPES

September 12

The Rise of Somatic Therapies

BENTON

Integrative Medicine

for Mind and Body

10 Years Going Upstream

Inner Balance

Eco Tip:

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SOUND HEALING

Find additional articles online at AwakeningCharlotte.com. Go to the homepage and explore local businesses and events, recipes, and articles exclusively from Natural Awakenings.

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September 2026

17

Feature Story

Introduction to Somatic Therapies Reconnecting Mind and Body in an Overstimulated World

by Sheldon C. Baker

Somatic healing practices can provide a reset through movement and body awareness. According to Gina Nick, Ph.D., a naturopathic physician with 25 years of experience and an integrative medical practice in Los Angeles, “Somatic therapies are designed to address physical tension and release the stored emotions and stressors housed in the body.” These practices—which can be performed at home or with the help of a professional—forge a healthy, fluent connection between the mind and body by creating heightened selfawareness and boosting recovery and resilience. The result is sustained calmness and an improved ability to achieve serenity, focus and cognitive clarity.

Noticing the Body’s Messages

“Chronic stress doesn’t just affect your thoughts. It changes your biology,” explains Daniel Amen, M.D., a double board-certified psychiatrist, neuroscientist and author of multiple national bestsellers, including Change Your Brain, Change Your Pain: Breaking the Doom Loop to Heal Chronic Physical and Emotional Pain. “When stress hormones stay elevated for too long, they increase muscle tension, fire up inflammation and contribute to chronic pain. They also disrupt sleep, impair digestion and can even reduce blood flow to the brain, making you feel anxious, exhausted or mentally foggy.”

Somatic therapy relies on interoception—awareness of body sensations—to identify and release stress and trauma. These sensations originate from the autonomic nervous system, which governs involuntary bodily functions like heart rate and digestion.

Examples of negative body sensations include clenching muscles, 18

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racing pulse, stomach churning, temperature fluctuations, tightness around the chest and tingling.

Steven Bradshaw, a psychologist, somatic experiencing practitioner and founder of Beyond Psychology Center, in Los Angeles, explains that the autonomic nervous system features two sub-systems that regulate safety: the sympathetic nervous system that mobilizes the body for action in dangerous situations and the parasympathetic nervous system to promote calmness and recovery. Chronic stress or trauma can get stuck in the sympathetic nervous system, causing a state of constant alertness. “The body is safety for the mind,” he remarks. “I use a mind-body approach that engages your inner healer to move from states of anxiety, burnout, disconnection and pain into states of goodness, flow and a deep sense of belonging in your own body.”

Aimie Apigian, M.D., MS, MPH, founder of Trauma Healing Accelerated and author of The Biology of Trauma: How the Body Holds Fear, Pain, and Overwhelm, and How to Heal It explains, “Somatic therapies are body-based approaches that work at the level of sensation. Sometimes that means creating a sensation of safety in the body, and sometimes it means creating the sensation of overcoming a moment of powerlessness from the past, often through movement,

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e are often told to “just breathe” when we feel distressed, overreactive, overstimulated, hyper-vigilant, exhausted or digitally overloaded. Stress is a common consequence of modern life, and sometimes, a few deep breaths can provide relief. However, when stress becomes ever-present and deep-seated, we may need a bit more help to release the tension in our muscles and to lower our heightened blood pressure out of fight-flight-or-freeze mode.

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by finally doing the self-defense movement you were not able to do when the real event happened. The benefit is that we uncouple a sensation from the meaning of danger it got paired with. That can be an internal sensation, like the twisting of your gut, or an external one, like a particular sight or smell. The sensation stops automatically signaling danger, and the body gets to learn a new response rather than only understanding the old one.”

Mind-Body Practices

Body Scan: This exercise is all about interoception and is done by noticing sensations from head to toe while sitting or lying down comfortably.

Full-Body Shake: Standing up and shaking arms, legs and shoulders for 30 seconds not only loosen limbs but also relieves pent-up stress. Rolling the head in a circular motion can also release knotted tension at the base of the neck.

Humming: The vibrations from humming (either a tune or single note like an “Om”) physically calms the vagus nerve, which bidirectionally carries information via electrical and chemical messages to and from the brain. A 2023 study published in the medical journal Cureus involving 23 participants revealed that humming significantly lowered stress biomarkers compared to physical activity and sleep, with positive impacts on the

“As anyone who has ever danced knows, our feelings can be more readily accessed through movement and getting in touch with our body’s sensations, which is what somatic therapy does,” says Jacob Teitelbaum, M.D., a board-certified internist specializing in chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, sleep and pain, as well as the author of several books, including Pain Relief in 4 Simple Steps: Eliminating the Root Causes of Chronic Pain. While conventional talk therapy focuses on using the rational mind to release embedded stress, daily body-awareness activities can help people learn to process their tension while building emotional resilience.

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Amen recommends starting with basic practices, including slow diaphragmatic breathing, daily body movements, good quality sleep and time spent in nature. One of his favorite calming strategies is the butterfly hug to soothe the brain and body.

“Simply place your hands on your opposite shoulders and gently stroke them downward,” he explains.

Other self-somatic therapies can calm the body and mind, creating a sense of safety, which quiets racing thoughts and brightens the person’s outlook. “The aim of a daily practice is to create a sensation of internal safety or a felt sense of support in the body,” Apigian counsels.

Four-Count Breath: An excellent tension reliever and mental refresh, the four-count breath can be performed anywhere at any time. Inhale fully while counting to four, hold for four, exhale for four and pause for four. Repeat up to five times.

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Feature Story parasympathetic nervous system to reduce the fight-or-flight response.

Mindful Movement: Moving with intention and body awareness can deepen inthe-moment joy and appreciation while also reducing anxiety, releasing tension and improving mood. Start with deep breathing, then turn attention inward for a head-to-toe body check while moving.

This can be practiced while washing the dishes or participating in a fitness class.

Guided Imagery: A technique that can be performed alone or with a therapist, guided imagery utilizes breathwork and meditation while envisioning an object or scene, using all of the senses. Capitalizing on the mind-body connection, multisensory visualization reduces stress and relaxes muscles.

Guided Therapies

Long-term, somatic therapies with the help of expert practitioners can result in creating healthier habitual emotional patterns, which contribute to repairing mood imbalance and creating sustained well-being.

Craniosacral therapy is a gentle, hands-on approach that releases physical tension to enhance relaxation. It focuses on the skull, spine and craniosacral system, which includes the cerebrospinal fluid, fascia and soft tissues surrounding the central nervous system. A 2023 study published in Behavioral Sciences (Basel, Switzerland) involving male firefighter cadets found that five weekly sessions of craniosacral therapy significantly reduced cortisol levels, a primary stress hormone.

Rolfing somatic movement is a touchbased technique designed to unblock or

Somatic Respiratory Integration Workshops Having Purpose Changes Biology

Our bodies are designed to heal, but chronic stress, old emotions and life’s demands can keep it trapped in survival mode. Somatic healing can help shift that pattern by working with, not just on, the body.

Somatic practices—like Somato Respiratory Integration (SRI), Network Spinal Care and breathwork—support the nervous system in releasing stored tension, calming the mind, and restoring natural balance.

SRI uses gentle, guided breathing to help the body complete incomplete stress responses. These exerGinni Gross, DC cises are simple, powerful and something that can be done on one’s own to support healing and sustain the changes we receive in care.

When we reconnect with our breath and our bodies, we reconnect with our purpose.

Research shows that having a sense of purpose can lower inflammation, support heart health, improve immunity and even add years to our lives.

Dr. Ginni Gross, owner of Touch Light Chiropractic located at 16405 Northcross Dr., Ste. D, Huntersville, offers free monthly SRI workshops for attendees to experience these techniques and take an active role in their healing. The next edition will be at 6:30 p.m. on September 21. For more information or to register, call 704-885-5770.

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release protective posture patterns such as shrugged shoulders, bent postures and clenched jawlines from unresolved stress, anxiety and trauma. According to the Dr. Ida Rolf Institute, Rolfing resets the body’s stress response by releasing restrictions in the fascia—the connective tissue network that surrounds, separates and holds together the body’s muscles, bones, organs, blood vessels and nerve fibers.

Trauma-sensitive yoga or trauma-informed yoga is designed to cultivate a compassionate awareness of what is happening in the body in the present moment and to develop the ability to take effective action based on that knowledge. It empowers individuals to reconnect with their bodies in a safe, non-judgmental environment and regulate the nervous system. A 2018 qualitative analysis published in International Journal of Stress Management identified key emotional themes that emerged from engaging in trauma-sensitive yoga, including gratitude, compassion, relatedness, acceptance, centeredness and empowerment.

Somatic experiencing is a specialized therapy designed to retrain the nervous system by processing trauma in small, manageable sessions. Instead of focusing on the story of the trauma, the therapist guides the client to notice physical sensations, while providing a feeling of safety and well-being. This treatment approach releases vestigial negativity and creates a new, intuitive, more deeply self-aware and empowered way of sustaining emotional well-being. A 2021 literature review published in European Journal of Psychotraumatology reported that somatic experiencing positively impacts symptoms related to post-traumatic stress disorder, notably reducing affective and somatic complaints while improving overall well-being.

Eye-Movement Therapies

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) centers on moving the eyes in a specific manner while being guided to process traumatic or stressful memories, which are stored differently than normal or happy ones. Reprocessing helps to repair mind injury caused by the traumatic event.

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Brainspotting (BSP), a newer neuro-based therapy, uses eye position or “brainspots” to access and release unresolved emotional energy stored in the limbic system and subcortical region of the brain. Compared to EMDR, BSP is more somatic and intuitive.

In a 2022 study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, just one 40-minute session of EMDR or BSP was found to have beneficial effects in processing distressing memories.

Finding Relief and Resolution

“Somatic therapies recognize that many emotional and physical symptoms are protective responses rather than a mental disorder, weakness or failure,” says Annie Wright, a licensed psychotherapist and relational trauma specialist. Acknowledging and observing our discomfort paves the way for a healing conversation with ourselves.

Sheldon C. Baker is a contributing editor to numerous health, wellness and lifestyle publications.

When Relaxation Starts With the Body At Sunnie Spa & Scalp Sanctuary in downtown Mooresville, the idea of slowing down begins with the body.

Their Head Spa Rituals were created as an immersive, sensory experience combining warm water, intentional touch, rhythmic scalp massage, soothing sound, aromatics and stillness. Rather than simply telling the mind to relax, the experience gives the body an opportunity to slow down and become aware of sensation. This reflects a growing interest in the mind-body connection and the role that body awareness can play in creating a greater sense of calm and well-being.

A Head Spa Ritual can offer a body-centered philosophy: stepping away from constant stimulation, receiving intentional touch and allowing oneself to simply be present.

For Sunnie Spa, holistic beauty means caring for more than what is visible. It means

creating an environment where the experience of being cared for can be felt, not just understood. Sometimes, the first step toward feeling better is simply giving yourself permission to slow down.

Stephanie Davis, Cosmetologist, Trichologist, AADP Holistic Practitioner, is founder of Sunnie Spa & Scalp Sanctuary, located at 121 N. Main St., Ste. 219, in Mooresville, NC, opening this fall. For more information or to join the founding members waitlist, call or text 980-351-1115, email SunnieSpaAndScalp@gmail.com or visit SunnieSpa.com.

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Conscious Eating

Nutritious Nachos Yummy Ideas Everyone Will Love

by Maya Whitman

N

and add so much flavor in healthier ways,” says James Rayner, senior editorial manager of FoodFaithFitness, an online resource for simple and healthy recipe ideas.

“It can be tempting to cover everything in cheese or really pile on the meat, but you can actually dial down these indulgent elements

Traditionally, nachos are served as an appetizer, but they can easily be elevated to main meal status. Cumin-spiced mushroom and walnut vegan nachos, chicken nachos with zesty Greek yogurt crema, sheet pan sweet potatoes and black beans, or Mediterranean-based whole-grain pita chips with smashed garbanzos and feta are only a few inspiring examples.

achos are a classic favorite for fall gatherings, sports parties, game nights and cozy weekends, but traditional versions can quickly become overloaded with oversized portions, excess sodium, unhealthy fats and highly processed ingredients. To make nachos a healthier option, consider making a few simple changes that balance favorite toppings with nutrient-dense ingredients.

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Dan Whalen, a lifelong enthusiast for this popular comfort food, authored the cookbook Nachos for Dinner: Surprising Sheet Pan Meals the Whole Family Will Love.

“What I love about nachos is that you can make them with leftovers. Just open your fridge and find a combo of things,” he says.

It all begins with a chip base, protein source, colorful vegetables and fiber-rich toppings such as avocado, fire-roasted tomatoes, fresh salsas, homemade slaws, pickled onions, tangy citrus splashes or fresh chiles.

Whalen, also a food blogger and the founder of the online recipe hub The Food in My Beard, reminds us that switching things up doesn’t require eliminating our favorite fixings. “One secret to using indulgent toppings is to make sure everything is chopped up small,” he explains. “You always want to do this anyway, so each chip can hold a mix of all the different ingredients. Doing this with more indulgent nacho toppings allows you to use less but still feel like it is prevalent in the overall dish.”

“Think generously spiced tandoori chicken with red onion, cilantro and a creamy sauce made from Greek yogurt and mint,” muses the editor. He also favors the idea of a deconstructed Greek gyro with “thinly sliced lamb or beef, charred bell peppers, chopped herbs and a garlicky Greek yogurt drizzle to finish.”

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Mouthwatering Upgrades

Whalen embraces Italian flavors, recreating a loaded sandwich. “I use all the typical meats, and when it comes out of the oven, I add a ‘salad’ of romaine lettuce, roasted red peppers and pepperoncini.”

Drizzling punchy sauces such as sweet yet savory Mexican chamoy made from pickled apricots, plums or mangoes, or bright and spicy Middle Eastern green shatta can add an exhilarating element to any nacho dish.

Assembly Tips

For optimal tortilla nachos every time, Rayner recommends briefly toasting the

chips in the oven for two to three minutes to unlock nutty flavors and enhance the crunch. “After that, layer your toppings. Veggies can release a lot of moisture, so scatter your protein over your chip base first, then cheese and vegetables afterward. Repeat the layers if you want to go all out.”

Maya Whitman is a frequent writer for Natural Awakenings.

Steak or pulled pork lovers can opt for shredded leaner cuts, while seasoned, sautéed ground turkey or chicken breast serves as an excellent substitute for ground beef.

Vegans can enjoy meaty textures with sautéed, crumbled tempeh or tofu. And everyone can enjoy the flavorful, hearty protein provided by pinto, black or red kidney beans. Rayner notes, “Whatever protein you’re going for, don’t forget to add plenty of seasoning. You can also try toasted pepitas [pumpkin seeds] or crushed almonds for added taste and texture.”

Whalen suggests upgrading the chips, explaining, “Using crispy plantain chips cuts out the extra carbs and fat in traditional tortilla chips. You can even use dehydrated or baked plantains instead of fried.”

Big Joy Theory

Ethnic Inspirations

Although traditionally Tex-Mex, nachos can be most exciting with creative variation. For Rayner, the use of Indian spices can tantalize taste buds and broaden the possibilities.

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Conscious Eating 1 cup cooked black beans (homemade or from a can) 1½ cup shredded Chihuahua cheese ½ cup lime crema ¼ cup Habanero hot sauce 1 avocado, pitted, peeled and thinly sliced 1 lime, quartered and sliced into small wedges

Courtesy of Dan Whalen

Preheat the broiler to low with a rack about 4 inches from the heat.

Arrange the plantain chips evenly on a sheet pan, overlapping them as little as possible. Sprinkle the cheddar cheese on the chips, distributing it evenly.

Add the carnitas, then the beans and top with the Chihuahua cheese.

Broil until the cheese has melted and the chips are starting to brown, 3 to 5 minutes. (Watch carefully to make sure they don’t burn.) Remove from the oven.

PLANTAIN NACHOS YIELD: 4 DINNER SERVINGS OR 8 APPETIZERS

Drizzle the crema and hot sauce on the nachos and top with the avocado and lime. Serve hot.

1 12-oz bag plantain strips (about 80 strips) 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese 1½ cups carnitas

Recipe courtesy of Dan Whalen.

Courtesy of FoodFaithFitness

¼ cup green onion, diced 1 large avocado, diced Cilantro, chopped (for garnish) Preheat oven to 400° F. Heat a medium pan over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Cook, breaking up meat into pieces, until no longer pink inside.

Cut the stem off each pepper and cut in half lengthwise, removing the seeds and white flesh.

MEXICAN MINI BELL PEPPER NACHOS

Spray a baking sheet with cooking spray and arrange the peppers on it, cut sides up.

YIELD: 6 SERVINGS

Stir the salsa into the cooked beef and fill the peppers with the beef mixture. Sprinkle with the cheese.

Satisfy nacho cravings without the chips.

½ lb lean ground beef 26 mini bell peppers 6 Tbsp salsa 1 cup shredded, reduced-fat Mexican cheese blend, packed (4 oz) ½ cup tomato, diced 24

Bake until the cheese is melted, about 5 to 7 minutes.

Sprinkle on the tomato, green onion, avocado and cilantro. Serve immediately.

Recipe courtesy of FoodFaithFitness.

Courtesy of FoodFaithFitness

CHICKEN NACHOS

1 tomato, diced 2 avocados, diced 1 jalapeño pepper, sliced (optional) ⅓ cup green onions, sliced ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped ⅓ cup nonfat Greek yogurt (for serving) Salsa (for serving) Preheat the oven to 350° F. If using frozen corn, thaw it.

Arrange half of the tortilla chips on a large baking sheet. Sprinkle half of the shredded chicken, black beans, corn and cheese over the chips.

A cheesy classic gets a makeover with protein-packed shredded chicken.

Add another layer of chips and top with the remaining chicken, black beans, corn and cheese.

YIELD: 4 SERVINGS

Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 13 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

1 cup corn kernels, fresh or frozen 10 oz baked tortilla chips (about 8 cups) 2¼ cups cooked, shredded chicken breast 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed 1¾ cups shredded, reduced-fat cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese

Remove from the oven and top with diced tomatoes, avocado, jalapeño slices, green onions and cilantro. Serve immediately with nonfat Greek yogurt and salsa on the side.

Recipe courtesy of FoodFaithFitness.

N I R V A N A HYPERBARIC

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25

Wise Words

Mindful Interdependence A Conversation With Jeremy David Engels

by Sandra Yeyati

J

eremy David Engels is a liberal arts endowed professor of communication arts and sciences at Penn State University, co-founder of Yoga Lab and a mindfulness and yoga teacher.

He has authored six books, including his latest two published this year: On Mindful Democracy: A Declaration of Interdependence to Mend a Fractured World and Living Namaste: A Practical Guide to Mindfulness, Yoga, and Building Community.

Engels holds a master’s degree (2003) and doctorate (2006) in rhetoric from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He has also studied Sanskrit, yoga philosophy, pranayama (breathing techniques) and chanting at the prestigious Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram. After a pilgrimage to India and Nepal in 2018, following the Buddha’s footsteps, he became a devoted student of mindfulness meditation as taught by Zen master and peace activist Thích Nhất Hạnh. He was certified to teach mindfulness after completing an intensive, two-year training program under Tara Brach and Jack Kornfield.

are manipulated and how to resist it. And, I teach classes on how to deliberate, debate or argue without devolving into a fight.

How do you incorporate mindfulness in your college classes?

Historical writings by the founders of the United States assumed citizens were capable of paying attention without distraction. We can’t make that assumption anymore, given our current world of distractions. Mindfulness is a wonderful practice for this. Everything I teach is better absorbed when students have mindfulness skills.

What do you propose in your book, Living Namaste?

We often say “namaste” to each other at the end of yoga practice, but for me, it doesn’t mark an end but rather a moment of continuation, when we take the practice from the mat into the world. Namaste means, “I bow to you. I honor you. I recognize you. I honor the dignity of you.” Over time, it has become associated with bowing or honoring the divine in someone else.

Why did you aspire to be a teacher and peace advocate as a child, and how did you uphold those ideals into adulthood?

What subjects do you teach at Penn State?

My Ph.D. is in rhetoric, which focuses on the power of language to build and break worlds, bring people together and push them apart, incite wars and foster peace. My classes reflect this focus. I teach communication ethics, looking at how people can communicate better to build stronger communities and healthier relationships. I teach a big lecture class on propaganda, exploring how we 26

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Courtesy of Jeremy David Engels

I grew up surrounded by shouting and naturally became the peacemaker. This trait is inherent and influenced by my environment, deeply ingrained in my personality. In high school, I first encountered the works of Martin Luther King, Gandhi, Tolstoy and Thoreau’s writings on civil disobedience and nonviolence. These books spoke to my soul and became a part of who I am. I identify as a peacemaker and relationship builder.

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Holistic Acceptance

Courtesy of Jeremy David Engels

Social media gives us access to more people than ever before, but we feel lonelier because those are not genuine relationships. Real relationships with embodied human beings make life worth living and nourish the spirit.

A key motivation behind my books is to encourage people to open up to others and recognize our deep interdependence.

The philosophy of namaste is that every time you say hello to someone, you acknowledge their dignity, worth, beauty and miraculousness, even when you disagree on fundamental things. Our relationships transform when we are willing to meet people on that common ground of shared divinity.

As a rhetorician, in the spirit of namaste, which words should we use more frequently and which should we reduce?

My next book will include a chapter on the mindfulness of words and noticing how often we bring violent words into everyday conversations. We talk about fighting this or fighting that, going to war, having a battle.

We need to become more conscious of this because describing our relationships with others as a war increases the likelihood of those relationships becoming combative.

One word I like is “friends”. It’s an invitation to a certain kind of relationship. Instead of preparing for battle, perhaps we should be getting ready for a conversation.

What do you mean by interdependence?

Interdependence is an insight, not just a concept to understand intellectually. It’s something you have to feel in your body. Meditation is one path to this understanding, but not the only one. Many religions, science, theoretical physics and ecology all teach interdependence. A forest exemplifies it.

It’s not just that we have to collaborate with people we may have written off, dislike or rarely consider. It’s that we are already working together in unseen ways.

Think about prescription medication: from research and development to your medicine cabinet, it’s staggering to think about the countless individuals that have touched that pill or shot—scientists, medicine developers, trial participants, ingredient harvesters and assemblers, plant operators, label designers, bottle makers, shipping workers, truck drivers and pharmacists. That’s interdependence.

I hope my work helps to awaken people to our inherent connection. Imagine how much stronger we would be if we acknowledged this interdependence and actively devoted our attention and energy to building things together. There is such profound untapped power in the human species. Even little bits of awakening to this power will go a long way.

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Your Business To advertise in Natural Awakenings Charlotte, call 704-499-3327

Sandra Yeyati is the national editor of Natural Awakenings.

How can we become more interconnected when our society seems to keep us distracted and divided?

We have never been more connected to news and information in the history of the world.

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To read a longer version of this conversation, visit tinyurl.com/EngelsCLT or scan the QR code.

September 2026

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Healing Ways

Healing Harmonies How Sound Therapy Supports Modern Wellness

by Zak Logan

A

s stress, anxiety, burnout and sleep struggles rise, many people are searching for wellness approaches that feel calming, accessible and noninvasive. According to Metatech Insights, the sound therapy market is expected to grow 9.5 percent over the next decade. A number of these types of sessions are rapidly moving from niche wellness spaces into mainstream health culture, supporting relaxation, nervous system regulation, mindfulness and emotional balance through vibration, rhythm and tone.

The sound healing field includes vibroacoustic therapy, which employs specialized tables and chairs to gently send sound waves through the body. Sound baths are deeply immersive, meditative sessions involving Tibetan or crystal singing bowls, chimes, gongs and tuning forks, as well as sessions with percussive instruments like hand drums, rattles and melodic tongue drums.

Other instruments like the didgeridoo and vocal toning—using the human voice—are also effective for some in turning off the chronic flight-fight-or-freeze stress response. A modality known as binaural beats uses stereo headphones to provide two different sound frequencies, one in each ear. As these two tones are processed by the

brain, they align to create a perceived third frequency, which is believed to promote relaxation, focus or sleep.

These therapies are practiced either by themselves or alongside complementary wellness modalities such as meditation, breathwork, massage and yoga, helping practitioners quiet mental overstimulation and encourage deeper states of rest and presence.

According to a 2025 article from the University of California, Los Angeles, “Research on the benefits of sound therapy is inconclusive, but growing.” There are a number of studies that seek to determine which sound frequencies are most effective, how much sound therapy is needed to gain benefits and which individuals are the best candidates for this treatment.

A 2016 observational study in the Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary & Alternative Medicine reported that singing bowl meditations increased feelings of relaxation and spiritual well-being while significantly reducing stress, depression, anxiety and anger.

The researchers also found significant reductions in physical pain and tension among 40- to 50-year-olds.

Because of its positive impact on the central nervous system, sound healing therapy is being used in addiction recovery and post-traumatic stress disorder, reducing relapse triggers and hyperarousal. By boosting neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin in response to certain frequencies, participants find it easier to feel, express and release suppressed emotions.

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“Sound therapy is the intentional use of sound, vibration and frequency to support relaxation, self-awareness and the overall well-being of body, mind and soul,” explains sound therapist Anthony Profeta, in Vero Beach, Florida, who offers sound bath sessions to private clients and also serves as part of an integrative medical team at the Cleveland Clinic. “Physicians use sound waves therapeutically in procedures like lithotripsy to break up kidney or

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gallbladder stones. Many healing traditions believe that a sound bath operates on the same fundamental principle, working with subtler forms of stuck energy held in the meridians, nadis [in traditional Indian medicine] and other energy centers of the body.”

Profeta adds that this physical contact with sound stimulates the vagus nerve—the longest nerve in the body and primary regulator of the parasympathetic nervous system, which slows respiration, decreases heart rate and increases heart rate variability, shifting the body out of stress and into genuine relaxation.

Guy Yair Beider, a New York City-based sound healing practitioner, educator and

founder of Sound Medicine Academy, emphasizes the zero-effort component of the modality. “In a wellness culture that has, ironically, become exhausting in its own right—with protocols, optimization and self-improvement that starts to feel like another job—sound healing offers something genuinely rare: permission to do nothing and still receive something real.”

Tips for Beginning

Based on experience, Profeta underscores, “Too great a variety of instruments can actually reduce the therapeutic effect.” We all experience sound differently, he explains.

Some feel deeply relaxed, while others notice physical sensations, vivid imagery, vibrant colors, emotional release or a sense of timelessness.

Beider believes that the effects of a sound bath or other types of sound therapy can be profound because they cut through our constant mental chatter. “Many of us are extremely skilled at thinking about our feelings without ever actually feeling them.

Because sound healing offers nothing to analyze, that loop gets interrupted and whatever has been held beneath the surface often finds room to move,” he points out, encouraging participants to move slowly after a session, drink water and give themselves a few minutes before re-entering the pace of the day.

For those new to sound therapy, Profeta recommends a low commitment, 30- to 60-minute sound bath as an introduction, asserting, “Longer is not necessarily better.

After about 45 minutes, especially when participants are lying on a thin yoga mat on a hard floor, restlessness tends to increase and those positive effects begin to reverse.

The quality of the sound experience matters more than duration,” he says. “Approach sound with curiosity rather than expectation. Sometimes the deepest benefit arrives very quietly: for a few moments, you become still enough to hear yourself again.”

Zak Logan is a freelance writer dedicated to holistic healing and getting back to basics.

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29

Homeopathy

Sponsored Advertising Content

Homeopathy Under the Microscope An Evidence-Based Look at a Controversial Therapy

by Athena Eamon

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Reviewed by Lauri Grossman, DC, CCH, RSHom(NA)

T

o evaluate evidence-based research for a health treatment, it is important to comprehend the research methodology, study design, included and excluded evidence, and the potential existence of bias in the study’s design, execution or funding. This understanding is essential before drawing any conclusions.

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are the gold standard for evaluating the efficacy of medical treatments with minimal bias and determining if an intervention surpasses placebo effects.

However, individualized homeopathy 30

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poses unique methodological challenges that differ from testing a standardized pharmaceutical drug.

Unlike conventional RCT drug trials, where all participants with the same diagnosis typically receive the same medication and dose and are evaluated uniformly over specified time periods, classical homeopathy is tailored to the individual patient rather than the disease diagnosis. Two patients with migraines, seasonal allergies or arthritis may receive different remedies based on their physical symptoms, emotional state, sleep patterns, food cravings, environmental

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sensitivities, personality traits and constitution. As a result, researchers designing and conducting homeopathy trials face the following challenges that hinder the use of testing models developed for single pharmaceutical compounds: • Participants with the same diagnosis often receive different remedies, making it difficult to standardize interventions across a trial.

• Homeopaths frequently adjust remedies as symptoms evolve, whereas conventional RCTs require treatments to remain fixed throughout the study.

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• Homeopathic care includes lengthy consultations, individualized assessments, follow-up visits and therapeutic relationships that may independently contribute to outcomes beyond the remedy itself.

• Patients may seek improvements in wellbeing, energy, resilience or quality of life in addition to symptom relief, yet clinical trials measure only disease-specific endpoints.

What Clinical Studies Demonstrate

Many studies on homeopathy exist, but their quality differs greatly. Some treatments, such as Arnica montana for pain management, show more promising evidence than others.

Systematic reviews, which are top-tier research tools that compile, evaluate and synthesize empirical studies, find the evidence on homeopathy inconclusive due to issues like small sample sizes, inconsistent study designs, varying prescribing methods, difficulty blinding individualized treatments, publication bias and poor methodologies. These limitations prevent the determination of whether benefits are due to specific homeopathic effects, nonspecific therapeutic effects, placebo responses or a combination of all three.

Some Reviews Reach Divergent Conclusions

Systematic reviews can reach different conclusions due to varying inclusion criteria. One review might include all studies regardless of quality, while another might focus only on larger trials or low-risk-ofbias studies. These design differences affect the conclusions. For example, the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council found no reliable evidence supporting homeopathy for any health condition after analyzing only studies with strict methodological criteria.

By contrast, a meta-analysis conducted by the University of Bern in Germany specifically focused on individualized

homeopathy. The analysis concluded that statistically significant effects may exist for treating conditions such as childhood diarrhea, respiratory conditions and post-surgical recovery, but the certainty of evidence remains low to moderate due to study limitations.

The Scientific Debate Extends Beyond Clinical Trials

Perhaps the greatest controversy about homeopathy pertains to its mechanism rather than its clinical outcomes. Many homeopathic medicines are diluted beyond Avogadro’s limit, leaving no measurable molecules of the original substance. Conventional chemistry and pharmacology struggle to explain how these highly diluted remedies could produce biological effects. Homeopathy researchers argue that these findings, along with advances in understanding complex biological systems, justify further investigation into mechanisms involving nanostructures, water organization, electromagnetic signaling and other physical processes that are not yet fully understood.

A Growing Consensus for More Research Arises

Scientists on both sides of the homeopathy debate agree that future research must combine the methodological rigor

of randomized trials with study designs that more accurately reflect clinical practice. This requires larger sample sizes, transparent reporting, standardized outcome measures, longer follow-up periods and independent replication across multiple research centers. Additionally, homeopathy study designs should better align the research methodology with the intervention being studied without sacrificing scientific rigor.

The goal is to maintain the standard for evidence while formulating research questions that accurately represent the personalized nature of homeopathy practice.

This approach will yield clearer insights into where homeopathy offers meaningful benefits, where it falls short and how it can best contribute to evidence-informed, patient-centered integrative healthcare.

Athena Eamon is a researcher and parent with nearly two decades of experience studying and using homeopathy, integrative health and whole-person wellness.

Dr. Lauri Grossman has more than 30 years of experience as an integrative care expert, chiropractor, classical homeopath and global educator.

Grato Health, in operation since 1987, is dedicated to advancing health and wellness through natural, holistic solutions that support the body's ability to heal. GratoHealth.com

Join us in Washington, DC

26TH ANNUAL

WISE TRADITIONS CONFERENCE October 16-18, 2026 • wisetraditions.org

CONNECT

1200 attendees 75 exhibitors

LEARN

40 speakers

NOURISH

5 farm-to-table meals

A vibrant weekend of talks, socializing and delicious food SPEAKERS: Josh and Adam Bigelsen, Del Bigtree, Natasha Campbell-McBride, Laura Delano, Ben Edwards, Catherine Austin Fitts, Chris Knobbe, Joseph Ladapo, Thomas Massie, Sally Fallon Morell, Thaddeus Owen, Toby Rogers, Joel Salatin and many others!

Volunteer Opportunities • Children’s Program • Saturday Night Banquet Special Rates for 13-20 Year Olds • Continuing Education Units • Farm Tour

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3 Days with 5 Meals: $500 wisetraditions.org (703) 820-3333 $50 off registration Sept 1-18. Use code: NA September 2026

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Mark Your Calendars Rosh Hashanah September 11 Kings Mountain Preserve Lunch and Learns Enjoy lunch while learning about the economic and environmental benefits of green burial at the East Coast’s first combination conservation burial ground and funeral home. Advance registration is required.

Wednesdays · 11am · Free Various locations in the Charlotte area tinyurl.com/KMPLunchLearn 877-375-2495

Intro to Yoga for Teens and Adults with Neurodivergence Experience yoga, a powerful, non-competitive tool for physical, mental, and emotional regulation, in a welcoming space that honors your individuality.

1st Friday of month · 6pm $10/class or $20 for 4 classes Creative Perspectives 1010 S Main St, Mount Holly, NC CreativePerspectivesTherapy.com 704-759-6525

Labor Day September 7

Autumnal Equinox

Autumnal Equinox September 22

5th Annual Holistic Fair at Sacred Grove Explore holistic wellness offerings, discover treasures, receive a reading, experience a healing session and connect with like-minded people. Raffle benefiting GHA Autism Supports.

Touch-a-Truck at Compost Central Kids and adults are welcome to explore trucks and heavy equipment from Solid Waste and other local organizations.

Sept 12 · 11am-4pm · Free

Compost Central 140 Valleydale Rd, Charlotte WipeOutWaste.com

Sacred Grove Retreat Center 15720 Collie Rd, Gold Hill, NC tinyurl.com/HolisticFairCLT 704-299-5124

Sept 26 · 9am-2pm · Free

Mama Bessie’s Place 19th Anniversary Celebration Receive a 19% discount and a free gift with each purchase. Plus door prizes will be drawn every hour on the half hour throughout the day.

Yom Kippur September 20

Sept 26 · 10am-4pm · Free Somatic Respiratory Integration Workshop Learn gentle, guided breathing exercises to help the body complete incomplete stress responses with Dr. Ginni Gross. Workshops are offered monthly. Registration required.

Mama Bessie’s Place 3010 Monroe Rd, Ste 104, Charlotte MamaBessiesPlace.com 704-632-9911

Sept 21 · 6:30pm · Free Way Home Women’s Flower | Edibles | Drinks |The Concentrates | Kratom Retreat Touch Light Chiropractic Co-hosted by Katie Sutton and Kristen 16405 Northcross Dr, Ste D, Mather for women navigating burnHuntersville out, life transitions and grief. TheraNatural Awakenings TouchLightChiro.com pies include sound healing, channeled Natural Awakenings appreciates the generosity 704-885-5770 teachings, sacred ceremony, watsu appreciates the generosity of its distributors water and more. of its distributors throughout throughout the area.the area.

Oct 8-11

Please consider supporting Please consider supporting these major distributors by these major distributors by shopping and picking Natural Awakenings thanks our large distributors that support shopping there andthere picking upbusinesses. the magazine each month monthly at: up thelocal magazine each Pick month up magazines one of the racks. from onefrom of the racks.

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Isle of Palms, SC ZenWithinAcademy.com 828-246-3335

The Best in the �ueen City

Natural Awakenings appreciates the generosity Biketoberfest 2026 of its distributors Scavenger-hunt-style, family-friendly with stores across the greater Charlotte area throughout the area.

Please consider supporting FIND A distributors STORE these major by NEAR YOU shopping there and picking up the magazine each month from one of the racks.

Thank you!

event to explore Charlotte by bike, foot, scooter or public transit and discover local businesses, parks, landmarks, neighborhoods and the growing bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure.

Must be a rewards member or sign up for member rewards. No minimum purchase required

Oct 11 · $25-$50

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Charlotte Edition

AwakeningCharlotte.com

S O M E E X C L U S I O N S M AY A P P LY

Triple C Brewing 2900 Griffith St, Charlotte SustainCharlotte.org/biketoberfest

Support the Small Businesses that Advertise in Natural Awakenings Charlotte

Community Resource Guide Connecting you to the leaders in natural healthcare and green living in our community. To find out how you can be included in the Community Resource Guide email Ads@AwakeningCharlotte.com to request our media kit.

Cannabis/CBD/Hemp APOTHECA CANNABIS DISPENSARY

15 Charlotte Area Stores Apotheca.org

Shop trusted and tested cannabis, kratom and mushroom products in a welcomFlower | Edibles | Drinks | Concentrates | Kratom ing environment. Edibles, flower, drinks, powders and other natural goods, and friendly, educated staff. No medical card required. $5 off in-store with coupon. See ad, page 3.

Dentistry ELEVATE HOLISTIC DENTAL

7510 Pineville-Matthews Rd, Ste 15B 704-260-4206 ElevateHolisticDental.com Oral health is deeply connected to whole-body wellness. Elevate offers advanced general, pediatric and orthodontic care for families in a relaxed, caring environment. Advanced technologies, biocompatible materials, safe mercury removal, tongue/ lip-tie release. Call today. See ad, page 6.

The Best in the �ueen City

Chronic & Difficult Cases with stores across the greater Charlotte area

FIND A STORE NEAR YOU

Must be a rewards member or sign up for member rewards. No minimum purchase required

HAAS WELLNESS CENTER

Map Data 2024 Google

SO ME EXC L U SI O N S MAY A PPLY

3315 Springbank Ln, Ste 102 704-837-2420 HaasWellnessCenters.com

GENTRY DENTAL

5950 Fairview Rd, Ste 16 704-554-1007 GentryDentalCharlotte.com Providing the highest quality biological/holistic dental care with compassion and understanding. Modern, spal i ke of fi ce, state - of- the - ar t equipment and individualized care and attention. In-office dental savings plan. Call today to schedule appointment.

Specializing in chronic and difficult cases and holistic and wellness care. We identify and treat the root cause of your health issues. Call today for a free 15-minute consultation.

See ad, page 4.

TORCHBEARER TACHYON

19900 S Main St, Cornelius Unit 4, Ste E · 980-689-1803 TorchBearerTachyon.com

Stop suffering and elevate your experience with a transcendent 45-minute tachyon therapy session tuned to target your specific chronic condition. Read our reviews and book your experience for optimal balance and alignment today.

Compulsive Eating/ Spiritual Recovery OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS

Meetings throughout Charlotte Area Piedmontintergroup.org

Direct Primary Care BENTON INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE

16415 Northcross Dr, Ste B, Huntersville 972 NC-16 Bus, Stanley 704-775-6029 • BentonIntegrative.com

Affordable convenient direct primary care from a personalized holistic perspective. Thorough and efficient care with nutrition as the foundation. We want to get and keep you healthy. Schedule a new patient consult today. See ad, page 8.

Eco-friendly Living RECYCLED COMPOST & MULCH

140 Valleydale Rd • 980-314-3880 17131 Lancaster Hwy • 980-314-3845 MeckMulchMadness.com

Helping compulsive overeaters/ food restrictors find recovery through Twelve Steps, patterned after Alcoholics Anonymous. Free in-person and online meetings in Charlotte area provide fellowship, support and anonymity. Meetings open to everyone. Join us today.

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Suppor ts a 360˚ from your yard to our facility and back again. Mecklenburg County upcycles your yard waste to create high- quality STA approved compost and beautiful mulch at a very affordable price.

See ad, page 15.

SUSTAINABLE INTERIOR DESIGN

Claudia Josephine Design 860-796-3415 ClaudiaJosephineDesign.com

Proving that sustainable, ecofriendly design can still be stylish, Claudia creates classic, functional, and beautiful interiors. Cer tified Green Accredited Professional.

Specializing in new residential construction and full-service interior design.

EESystem SCALAR HEALTH ENHANCEMENT CENTER

704-490-5483 CS@ScalarHealthEnhancement.com ScalarHealthEnhancement.com

When you enter the Scalar Health Enhancement Center, you enter a healing zone where the 5th Dimension isn't just a theory, it is a functioning reality! Call for appointment today.

See ad, page 7.

Functional Medicine BENTON INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE

16415 Northcross Dr, Ste B, Huntersville 972 NC-16 Bus, Stanley 704-775-6029 • BentonIntegrative.com

The Carolina's only Integrative practice offering membership based Direct Primary Care and Functional Medicine wellness programs. Wellness programs are individualized to the patient and address the root cause of illness. See ad, page 8.

Functional Neurology BETTER BRAIN & BODY

11230 Carmel Commons Blvd 704-752-8100 · BetterBrainAndBody.com Info@BetterBrainAndBody.com Ad d re s s t h e ro o t c a u s e o f neurological issues and optimize overall brain & body health at Charlotte’s Human Optimization Center. Non-invasive diagnostics and safe and effective treatments.

Wellness memberships available.

Schedule your free consultation today. See ad, page 13.

September 2026

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Community Resource Guide

Hyperbaric Therapy

CAROLINA FUNCTIONAL NEUROLOGY CENTER

NIRVANA HYPERBARIC INSTITUTE

16905 Northcross Dr, Ste 150 Huntersville · 704-661-0085 CarolinaFNC.com

Chiropractic neurology facility that is dedicated to helping patients with complex neurological conditions such as dysautonomia, migraine, dizziness, movement disorders, concussions and neurodevelopmental disorders. Schedule your $50 consult today. See ad, page 19.

146 Medical Park Rd, Ste 110 Mooresville • 704-471-4100 NirvanaHBO.com

AMERICAN BEAUTY GARDEN CENTER

4400 E Independence Blvd 704-334-8651 ABGardenCenter.com

KATIE SUTTON

Intuitive Channel, Guided Meditation Coach 828-246-3335 ZenWithinAcademy.com Katie synthesizes a unique blend of healing modalities with selfactivation techniques–from sound and vibrational therapy, to i n t u i t i ve ch a n n e l i n g , to guided meditation–in order to deliver healings tailored to each person's needs.

Charlotte’s organic gardening supply store for over 17 years. Knowledgeable staff that answers your questions and makes recommendations. Natural/ organic products, hydroponic solutions, greenhouses, grow lights, and more. Visit us today.

Holistic Business Guidance BIG JOY THEORY

704-312-0780 joy@BigJoyTheory.com BigJoyTheory.com Transformative coaching and business guidance b l e n d i n g p sych o l o g y, intuition, and strategy to elevate wellness leaders into aligned, joyful growth— where purpose, prosperity, and presence unite through the frequency of joy. Book a free consult today. See ad, page 23.

Intuitive Healer/Advisor INTUITIVE CHANNEL & HEALER

DavidHarrisSpirituality@gmail.com 704-577-8977 DavidHarrisSpirituality.com

David offers clear, channeled guidance and healing energy— through spoken messages, Akashic Records insight, and healing light language—to facilitate deep healing, release blocks, and align with your highest self; Medical intuitive.

Mindfulness POSITIVE INTELLIGENCE COACH

Holistic Wellness Care PRIMARY HEALTH-CARE OF CHARLOTTE

904-377-5789 SageMindsetDan@gmail.com tinyurl.com/DanGormleyPQ

508 Beatties Ford Rd 704-526-0328 · GetWellnessCare.com Serving Charlotte for 39 years with continuous low-cost holistic health care for uninsured and under insured. Physicals, first aid, TB and other tests.

Certified by NC Board of Medical Examiners and NC Board of Nursing. By appointment.

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Charlotte Edition

DR MICHAEL SMITH

6404 Bannington Rd, Ste A 704-708-4404 CarolinasNaturalHealth.com Diabetes, digestive disorders, anxiety/depression, autoimmune, women’s health, wellness/prevention and more. We uncover the root cause and customize a holistic individualized, compassionate program so you reclaim your health. Book your free discovery call today. See ad, back cover.

Dedicated to healing, forwarding the science of hyperbaric oxygen therapy and providing patients a tranquil place to heal. Highly effective in treating many conditions, some covered by insurance. See ad, page 25.

Integrative Healer

Gardening

Naturopathic Doctor

AwakeningCharlotte.com

Identify and stop your 9 saboteurs that mess up your life and activate your sage brain instead.

Email/text for link to free 10-minute assessment and schedule a personal 1-hour zoom to review today.

Ozone Therapy PUREFICO MEDSPA & THERAPY

19401 Old Jetton Rd, Ste 100 Cornelius · 704-655-2719 Purefico.com

Full line of noninvasive wellness/ beauty services including only local provider of cutting edge Eboo Ozone IV Therapy system. Treats autoimmune disorders, infections, viruses, chronic fatigue, Lyme disease and more. Call and mention Natural Awakenings discount. See ad, page 11.

Psychotherapy/ Hypnotherapy SACRED BEGINNINGS PSYCHOTHERAPY

1824 E 7th St 704-774-6031 SacredBeginningsPsychotherapy.com Liz Hudson, LPA, MHt, holistic psychotherapist and hypnotherapist, specializing in transformative modalities to uproot, release and re-integrate. Blends integrative psychotherapy and hypnotherapy, breathwork, somatic healing, subconscious/ trance work and mind body approaches. Schedule your appointment today.

Regenerative Medicine NEOGENIX

16147 Lancaster Hwy, Ste 140 19475 Old Jetton Rd, Ste 102, Cornelius 704-727-6551 NeoGenixStemCells.com All natural, non-surgical treatments for joint, muscle, tendon and ligament pain performed by experienced, board-certified medical doctors 100% dedicated to stem cell and PRP treatments.

Schedule your free consultation today. See ad, page 5.

Support the Small Businesses that Advertise in Natural Awakenings Charlotte

Retreat

UNITY OF CHARLOTTE

SACRED GROVE RETREAT

15750 Collie Rd, Gold Hill, NC 704-299-5124 SacredGroveRetreat.com

Soul-nourishing sanctuary n e s t l e d i n n a t u re , o f fe ri n g transformational experiences, healing energy, a vor tex, a labyrinth, and starlit skies— where clarity dawns and miracles take root. Available for personal stays and organized retreats.

Reserve your visit today.

Scalar Energy SCALAR FREQUENCY HEALING

704-490-5483 CS@ScalarFrequencyHealing.com ScalarFrequencyHealing.com

Scalar energy wellness and spiritual awareness aids.

Simple, practical, inexpensive, and imprinted with targeted scalar frequencies to help the body repair itself or work with your consciousness.

Free shipping. 15% discount with NAM522. See ad, page 7.

3200 Park Rd Sundays at 11am UnityofCharlotte.org

Vibrant, inclusive Sunday Celebration at 11am, led by co-ministers Revs Lisa and Jim. Inspiring messages/ upbeat music support your spiritual growth, well-being, and abundant living.

Shared space with St. Luke’s Lutheran Church on Park Rd.

Sustainability SUSTAIN CHARLOTTE

SustainCharlotte.org

What if Charlotte grew in ways that made it easier for current and future generations to live healthy lives? Sustain Charlotte is working to make that possible. Learn more and become a member today.

Weight Loss CAROLINAS WEIGHT LOSS INSTITUTE

Gastonia • 704-271-9757 Matthews/Ballantyne • 704-243-8560 CWLI.net D e v e l o p e r o f t h e “4 0 D a y Tra n s f o r m a t i o n ” s y s te m , a physician designed and administered functional approach with programming tailored to the unique metabolism needs of each individual, to provide safe and sustained weight loss. Call for a free consultation.

Sound & Vibrational Therapy SPIRIT AND SOUND

Barbara Griggs, LSH, CVSMT Barb.griggs04@gmail.com 704-603-7759 • SpiritAndSound.net Vibration and sound, through tuning forks, are an important healing art that bring balance and well-being to our body, mind and spirit.

Licensed spiritual healer, intuitive, and CVSMT. Learn more in free consultation.

Spiritual Centers HEARTLIGHT SPIRITUAL CENTER

Rev David Hulse, Spiritual Guide 7300 Mallard Creek Rd 704-669-7300 HeartLightCharlotte.org

We are a spirit-guided, heartcentered Christ-conscious, loving family providing an empowering, universal, Christ- centered message grounded in the teachings of m e t a p hy s i c s . M e d i t a t i o n 10:30am. Sunday service 11am. Email Shine@HeartLightCharlotte.org.

gaston county natural guide Connecting Gaston County to leaders in natural health, wellness and green living. To find out how you can be included in the Gaston County Natural Guide, email Ads@AwakeningCharlotte.com.

Counseling CREATIVE PERSPECTIVES

1010 S Main St, Mount Holly 704-759-6525 info@CreativePerspectivesTherapy.com CreativePerspectivesTherapy.com Inclusive mental health practice serving youth, adults and couples in Gaston County and virtually across NC, SC and MI. Offers online scheduling, evening and weekend appointments, diverse experienced providers, and accepts most major insurance plans.

Organic Market & Supplements ORGANIC MARKETPLACE

1012 S New Hope Rd, Gastonia 704-864-0605 OrganicMarketNC.com

9am -7pm M/F, 9am6pm Sat. Reliable community partner, local source for education, organic foods, personal care, products, supplements, aromatherapy, organic wine/beer and pet products. See ad, page 21.

Weight Loss CAROLINAS WEIGHT LOSS INSTITUTE

Classifieds Fee for classifieds is a minimum charge of $40 for up to the first 20 words and $1.50 per word thereafter. To place a classified, email Ads@AwakeningCharlotte. com. Deadline is the 9th of the month.

Home Services

Lidia Adkins, CFMP, DC, PKT 216 S. New Hope Rd, Gastonia 704-271-9757 • CWLI.net

Developer of the “40 Day Transformation” system, a physician designed and administered functional approach with programming tailored to the unique meta-bolism needs of each individual, to provide safe and sustained weight loss. Call for a free consultation.

MAJOR APPLIANCE REPAIR – high quality repair at reasonable rates, service all major brands, call/text 336-539-1766.

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To place a listing call 704-499-3327 or email Ads@AwakeningCharlotte.com September 2026

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Carolinas Natural Health